Rethinking the Image of God

The present ecological crisis imposes a rethinking of the relation between the human being and the rest of nature. Traditional theological articulations of this relation have proven problematic where they foster separatism and anthropocentrism, which give a false report on the relation and have a ne...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Case-Winters, Anna 1953- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Open Library of Humanities$s2024- 2004
In: Zygon
Year: 2004, Volume: 39, Issue: 4, Pages: 813-826
Further subjects:B Progress
B Imago Dei
B created co-creator
B Separatism
B genetic kinship
B Sin
B Purpose
B Self-transcendence
B Responsibility
B Anthropomorphism
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Parallel Edition:Non-electronic
Description
Summary:The present ecological crisis imposes a rethinking of the relation between the human being and the rest of nature. Traditional theological articulations of this relation have proven problematic where they foster separatism and anthropocentrism, which give a false report on the relation and have a negative impact on thinking and acting in relation to nature. One place to begin rethinking is through an exploration of the affirmation that the human being is “made in the image of God,”imago dei. Some ways of construing the theological meaning of this designation are more helpful than others. Science has recognized the extent to which the human being is not only dependent upon but even emergent from nature. We are made of the same “stuff” that makes up the rest of the universe. We are nature. The place of the human being is much more modest, recent, and precarious than usually acknowledged in theological reflection. New ways of interpreting our role within nature must evolve out of this new understanding. Philip Hefner has proposed that we think of the human being as created co-creator. His is a distinctive and promising contribution. This essay responds with both affirmations and friendly questions.
ISSN:1467-9744
Contains:Enthalten in: Zygon
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9744.2004.00621.x